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Senior of the Year

Every year, Johnson Township, along with the Province of Ontario, honours one outstanding individual aged 65 and over as the Ontario Senior of the Year. This individual has made a significant impact on our community’s social, cultural or civic life, making Johnson Township a better place to live.

The Senior of the Year will be chosen at the April council meeting, and staff will complete the Provincial nomination form by April 30 of each year. The Senior of the Year is then honoured at a luncheon put on by the Dr. Harold S Trefry Memorial Centre during Seniors Month in June, along with leading the Johnson Township Community Days Parade on the 2nd Saturday in July, as the Parade Marshall.

Nominations can be made at any time throughout the year by sending an email to recreation@johnsontownship.ca.

2025 Senior of the Year: Frank Hicks

The late Frank Hicks — Johnson Township’s 2025 Senior of the Year. A title that reflects the incredible impact he had on our community, not just in his senior years, but throughout a lifetime of service.
While Frank may no longer be with us in body, his presence and spirit still live so clearly in the community he gave so much of himself to.
Frank was the definition of a community builder. He was a proud volunteer, a dedicated firefighter, and a respected Township Councillor. Frank’s roots in farming shaped so much of who he was. He understood hard work, persistence, and the importance of looking out for your neighbours. He was proud to be part of the farming community and brought that same steady, down-to-earth presence to every role he took on.
He did it all with that signature smile, a quick-witted joke, and a generosity that could only come from someone who truly cared. He had a deep love for his family, an unwavering commitment to his community, and a personality that could brighten the darkest of days. He was humble in his service, empathetic in his approach, and respectful in every conversation, no matter who you were. His humour was quick, his stories full of charm, and that infectious smile brought joy to any room.
He was spunky and spirited, full of laughter, and always had a twinkle in his eye — like he was just about to crack a joke or share something that would have us all grinning. His laugh was often the first thing you’d hear in a room — and certainly the last thing you’d forget. That sense of joy, that laughter, was one of his greatest gifts to us.
He didn’t do things for recognition. He gave his time and heart because he believed in this community and the people in it. To Frank, family came first, but community came a very close second. And that’s what makes this award so special — it doesn’t just celebrate years, it celebrates a legacy. Frank Hicks left a legacy of kindness, service, and good humour — one that continues to inspire all of us.
A man who gave his time freely, served his community with heart, and left us all with memories that continue to guide and inspire us. A man who truly embodied the best of rural life: hard work, good humour, generosity, and the belief that we’re all better when we look out for one another.
We are grateful for the time we had with him, and we will carry his lessons forward in the work we do and the way we care for each other. We miss him and we will remember him.

Past Recipients Include: